Welcome! to the delicious world of Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe. Applebee’s, a popular American restaurant chain, is known for its diverse menu, featuring a range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Among its many offerings, one dish stands out for its warmth and flavor: French onion soup.
This hearty soup, with its rich broth, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese topping, is a favorite among diners. Recreating this beloved dish at home is easier than you might think.
Origin of Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe
French onion soup traces its origins back to France, where it was initially consumed by French peasants in the 18th century. The dish gained popularity in the United States during the 1960s and has since become a staple in American cuisine.
Ingredients Required
To make Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Onions
- Beef broth
- Bread
- Cheese (typically Swiss or Gruyere)
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Thyme (optional, for added flavor)
Equipment You’ll Need
Certainly! Here’s the exact equipment needed to make the Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe:
- Large pot: For sautéing the onions and simmering the soup.
- Chef’s knife: For slicing the onions.
- Cutting board: For Surface to chop the onions.
- Oven-safe bowls: For serving the soup and broiling the cheese topping.
- Grater: For grating the cheese.
- Toaster or oven: For toasting the bread slices.
- Stove or cooktop: For cooking the soup on the stovetop.
- Spatula or ladle: For stirring and serving the soup.
- Broiler: For melting and browning the cheese topping on the soup bowls.
With these essential pieces of equipment, you’ll be well-equipped to recreate the Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Sautéing Onions
- Begin by slicing onions thinly. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
2. Simmering with Beef Broth
- Once onions are caramelized, add beef broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and let the flavors meld together for another 15-20 minutes.
3. Preparing Bread and Cheese
- While the soup is simmering, slice the bread into thick slices and toast until lightly golden.
- Grate cheese and set aside.
4. Broiling for Final Touch
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted bread and a generous amount of grated cheese.
- After the cheese has melted and become bubbly about two to three minutes, place the bowls under the broiler.
Preparation and Cooking Time
The preparation and cooking time for Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe usually takes about 60 to 70 minutes.
This includes slicing and caramelizing onions for around 30 to 40 minutes, simmering them with beef broth for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, toasting bread slices, grating cheese, and broiling the soup bowls until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which typically takes 2 to 3 minutes. In total, expect around an hour for a delicious homemade soup.
Tips and Tricks
- For best results, use yellow onions for their sweet flavor when caramelized.
- Enhance the soup’s flavor by adding a sprig of fresh thyme while simmering.
- Gruyere or Swiss cheese works best for that classic French onion soup taste.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe typically contains around 300 calories, with variations depending on the amount of cheese and bread used.
Recipe Card
Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot For sautéing the onions and simmering the soup.
- Chef’s Knife For slicing the onions.
- Cutting board For Surface to chop the onions.
- Oven-safe bowls For serving the soup and broiling the cheese topping.
- Grater For grating the cheese.
- Toaster or oven For toasting the bread slices.
- Stove or cooktop For cooking the soup on the stovetop.
- Spatula or ladle For stirring and serving the soup.
- Broiler For melting and browning the cheese topping on the soup bowls.
Ingredients
- Onions
- Beef broth
- Bread
- Cheese typically Swiss or Gruyere
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Thyme optional, for added flavor
Instructions
Sautéing Onions
- Begin by slicing onions thinly. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
Simmering with Beef Broth
- Once onions are caramelized, add beef broth to the pot. Bring to a simmer and let the flavors meld together for another 15-20 minutes.
Preparing Bread and Cheese
- While the soup is simmering, slice the bread into thick slices and toast until lightly golden.
- Grate cheese and set aside.
Broiling for Final Touch
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each bowl with a slice of toasted bread and a generous amount of grated cheese.
- After the cheese has melted and become bubbly about two to three minutes, place the bowls under the broiler.
Variations of Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe
- Vegetarian option: Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
- Adding extra toppings: Experiment with additional toppings like croutons or crispy bacon for added texture and flavor.
- Making it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread or skip the bread altogether for a gluten-free option.
Storage and Reheating
To store leftover Applebee’s French Onion Soup, first, allow it to cool completely. After that, move it to an airtight container and quickly chill it. Properly stored, the soup can last in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you have more than you can consume within that time, you can also freeze the soup for longer-term storage.
Simply transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Why Make Applebee’s French Onion Soup at Home
Making Applebees French Onion Soup Recipe at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients and tailor the recipe to your preferences. Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy restaurant-quality soup without leaving the comfort of your kitchen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Applebee’s French Onion Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that can be easily recreated at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward cooking methods, you can enjoy this classic soup anytime, whether as an appetizer or a main course.
If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 Stars at the end of the Frequently Asked Questions Section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones! I am sure that you will also like Rafferty’s Potato Soup Recipe.
Happy Cooking!
Applebee’s Official Website: https://www.applebees.com/en
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
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Can I freeze leftover French onion soup?
Yes, French onion soup freezes well. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Can I substitute vegetable broth for beef broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute for beef broth, especially for vegetarian or vegan versions of the soup.
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How long does it take to caramelize onions?
Caramelizing onions can take anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the heat and the desired level of caramelization.
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What type of bread works best for the soup?
A crusty French baguette or sourdough bread works well for French onion soup, but you can use any bread you prefer.
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Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, French onion soup can be prepared in a slow cooker. Simply caramelize the onions beforehand, then add them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
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